Melissa's Profile

I was diagnosed with an Aortic Stenosis when I was 6 weeks old. I was followed by a pediatric cardiologist for all of my childhood. At some point it was confirmed that the valve was in fact a bicuspid valve. As a child I was always told that I would need to have it replaced, but it would be when I was "much older". Now at 37 it seems age has caught up with me! I've always had symptoms such as shortness of breath, unable to maintain any real cardio activity, heart palpitations, but I quickly learned how to manipulate my situation to get the desired outcome and be like all my friends. At this stage in the game I'm unable to ignore the symptoms any longer. So open heart surgery here I come :-( On a lighter note, I have three children 17, 19, & 21 as well as three granddaughters. Cooper is 13 months, Scarlet & Piper are 10 months. Plus a husband who is truly my best friend and the love of my life.